Awards recognise employer investment in apprenticeships

Nominations are now open for a competition in Northern Island, Apprentice of the Year 2013. Prizes are available across four categories, including: Apprentice of the Year Award, Most Promising First Year Award, Recognition Award, and Innovation in Partnership Award. Over 11,000 apprentices are eligible to win, as well as employers and training suppliers across the region.

The competition follows an advertising campaign launched last week by Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry, which promoted the benefits of apprentices to employers. The closing date for nominations is February 28th and winners will be revealed at a ceremony in the Holiday Inn, Belfast on 15th May 2013.

Stephen Farry says: “These awards are our opportunity to applaud the apprentices advancing their careers through training, as well as recognising employers who are investing in the skills of their workforce by supporting apprenticeships.”

“I would encourage all apprentices, employers and training partners to gain the recognition you deserve by entering the competition, which I hope will have a record number of applications. The quantity and standard of entries to this competition year on year demonstrates and acknowledges the important role of employers, training suppliers and the apprentice in the training process.”